Cyrus McCormick (Inventor)

Cyrus McCormick was an American inventor best known for developing the mechanical reaper in the 1830s. This machine revolutionized agriculture by automating the process of harvesting grain, which significantly increased efficiency and productivity on farms. Before his invention, harvesting was labor-intensive and time-consuming, relying on manual tools. McCormick's reaper propelled the growth of agriculture in the United States and contributed to the industrialization of farming. His work laid the foundation for modern farming equipment and practices, ultimately transforming the agricultural landscape and aiding in feeding a growing population.